French Boxing Champion 🥊 : until today

Hello all French boxing fans! Today, I'd like to take you on an exciting journey through the history of French boxing champions, from their first steps to their heyday. French boxing, also known as savate, is an elegant and technical sport that combines power and precision. So strap on your gloves and let's dive into the fascinating world of these exceptional fighters.

The First Great Names of French Boxing

In the 19th century, French boxing saw the emergence of pioneers such as Joseph Charlemont and his son Charles Charlemont. Joseph, often regarded as the father of savate, was an undisputed master of the discipline. His son Charles continued his work by codifying savate techniques and becoming a feared champion. These early champions not only left their mark on their era, but also laid the foundations for French boxing as we know it today.

Joseph Charlemont was a visionary who saw savate as much more than just a combat sport. He saw the discipline as an art of living, a way of cultivating body and mind. He spent years perfecting his techniques, inspired by Parisian street fighting and Asian martial arts. By passing on his knowledge to his son Charles, he has ensured the longevity of this unique discipline. Charles Charlemont, with his innate talent and dedication, not only followed in his father's footsteps, but also enriched savate with new techniques and strategies. His contribution to the codification of rules and movements structured French boxing, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The Charlemonts were also ambassadors for savate, travelling throughout France and Europe to promote their art. Their public demonstrations drew crowds, fascinated by the grace and power of their movements. They founded schools and wrote manuals that are still used today. Their legacy lives on, and their names are forever etched in the history of French boxing.

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Era of Legendary Champions

As the 20th century progressed, figures such as Marcel Cerdan left their mark on the history of French boxing. Although better known for his exploits in English boxingCerdan began his career in savate, where he showed exceptional technique and power. Other champions such as Pierre Plasait and Amélie Gonzalez have also left an indelible mark, winning numerous national and international titles.

Marcel Cerdan, nicknamed the "Moroccan Bomber", is a perfect example of the impact of savate on a boxer's career. His impeccable technique and footwork, inherited from French boxing, made him a formidable opponent in English boxing. Cerdan proved that the skills acquired in savate could transcend disciplines and open the doors to international success. His tragic story and premature end have added to his legend, making him an eternal hero of boxing.

Pierre Plasait and Amélie Gonzalez have dominated the savate scene with remarkable ease. Plasait, with his aggressive style and surgical precision, has won several European and world championships. Gonzalez, a pioneer among women in savate, broke barriers and paved the way for many female athletes. Their dedication and exceptional performances have inspired generations of practitioners, cementing savate's place in the pantheon of combat sports.

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Modern Champions

The 2000s saw the emergence of modern champions who took French boxing to an international level. Jérôme Huon, for example, is a name that resonates strongly in the world of savate. With several world championship titles to his name, Huon is a true living legend. Sarah Ourahmoune, meanwhile, has shone not only in savate but also in English boxing, becoming a source of inspiration for many young girls.

Thanks to his talent and hard work, Jérôme Huon has dominated international competitions. His sophisticated technique, combined with impressive physical strength, has made him a feared and respected fighter. Each of Huon's fights is a spectacle of mastery and strategy, captivating spectators and savate fans the world over. His career is a model of perseverance and success, perfectly illustrating what it means to be a French boxing champion.

Sarah Ourahmoune, for her part, has shown that women have an important place in the world of French boxing. Her career is remarkable not only for her victories in competition but also for her role as an ambassador for the sport. Ourahmoune has used her fame to promote savate and boxing to young people, particularly girls, by emphasising the values of empowerment and determination. Her dual skills in savate and English boxing have proved that the boundaries between the disciplines can be successfully crossed.

Who is the current French Boxing Champion?

Today, the title of French boxing champion in the men's category is held by Alfousseynou Kamara. Originally from Le Havre, Alfousseynou became world champion at the age of 24 in the under-80kg category. His impressive record and remarkable performances in the ring have made him an emblematic figure in French savate boxing. His technical skills and determination have enabled him to establish himself as one of the best boxers of his generation.

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The career of Alfousseynou Kamara

Alfousseynou Kamara began his career in French boxing at a very young age, developing rapidly thanks to his natural talent and rigorous training. Born and raised in Le Havre, he was trained by some of the best coaches in the sport. His progression was marked by a series of victories in national competitions, before establishing himself on the international scene. Alfousseynou is known for his agility, speed and ability to read and anticipate his opponents' movements, qualities that helped him become world champion.

Aside from competitions, Alfousseynou is also involved in promoting savate. He regularly takes part in events and training courses, sharing his experience and knowledge with young practitioners. His commitment to the development of French boxing and his role as a role model are inspiring a new generation of boxers to follow in his footsteps.

Champion's Challenges

The Growing Popularity of Savate

Thanks to social networks and the media, French boxing is gaining in visibility. Fights are followed by an ever-widening audience, attracting new enthusiasts. This growing popularity is contributing to the expansion of savate and the organisation of increasingly prestigious competitions.

Social media play a key role in savate's growing popularity. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok allow champions to share their training, fights and life moments, creating a direct connection with fans. Videos of spectacular fights and technical tutorials attract thousands of views, sparking the interest of new audiences. This increased visibility also attracts sponsors and commercial partners, contributing to the professionalisation and development of savate.

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The Heirs of Tradition

French boxing continues to attract promising talent. Savate clubs across France and around the world train future champions from an early age. This transmission of knowledge and techniques ensures that the tradition of French boxing will live on. The young athletes of today are the champions of tomorrow.

Savate clubs play a crucial role in training future champions. They offer structured programmes that instil the basics of the discipline from an early age. Young athletes are trained in an environment that values respect, discipline and sportsmanship. The coaches, often former champions themselves, pass on their expertise with passion, creating a living legacy. Local and regional competitions allow these young talents to test themselves against each other and develop their skills in real combat conditions.

Conclusion

French boxing, with its historic champions and contemporary talents, continues to captivate and inspire. From its pioneers like Joseph and Charles Charlemont, who laid the foundations of savate, to legendary twentieth-century figures like Marcel Cerdan, the discipline has seen the emergence of exceptional athletes who have marked their era. In the 2000s, modern champions such as Jérôme Huon and Sarah Ourahmoune took savate to international level, inspiring new generations of practitioners.

Today, Alfousseynou Kamara embodies the excellence of contemporary French boxing. As world champion in the under-80kg category, he represents the new wave of talented boxers who are perpetuating the heritage of savate while pushing its limits. His impressive career, marked by national and international victories, demonstrates that passion, determination and hard work can lead to success.

Sources : Boxing Wiki

See also : Official veterans' website